Gratuitous Advice To The ALP
Let Caucus Have A Choice Of Leaders
November 16, 2001
The ALP's election defeat has created considerable debate about what it should do over the next 3 years.
There is widespread agreement that members of the major political parties feel powerless to effect change or influence policy. One reason for this in the ALP is the dominance of the party factions in decision-making at all levels.
It has been reported that even before Kim Beazley conceded defeat on November 10, the Right-wing faction heavies were working the phones to tie up the numbers for Simon Crean.
The fix was really on when the Left faction fell into line and backed Jenny Macklin for the deputy's position.
There is no reason to believe that Simon Crean would not easily win a Caucus ballot for the leadership. There is every reason to believe that Jenny Macklin will make an excellent deputy. But that is not the point.
The party that has embraced market policies in so many areas ought to apply the same approach to its internal processes. There should be a choice offered to the Caucus next week. There is nothing quite so honourable in politics as being able to win a ballot and claim the legitimacy that goes with it.
It has been reported that Lindsay Tanner from the Left was considering a run for leader, but decided not to. Whether this is true or not, it would be in the party's interests if someone, preferably outside Victoria, offered themselves for leader so that we can all see if Crean has the support of his colleagues.
Like justice, political number-crunching should not only be done, it should be seen to be done.
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